Summary
Humanity has vanished long ago, and the robots are completely unaware of this fact. However, they discreetly approach the footsteps of humanity. They send explorers, William and Merryweather, to search for resources and explore new territories.
This fantastic journey begins across what was once the United States. The two exploration robots go through numerous trials, such as water, mountains, and forests, and hilariously misinterpret human relics. They discover incomprehensible human inventions, but how will they deal with them? And will they finally reach the origin of their species and uncover the secrets of humanity? This is an SF graphic novel for all adventure and science fiction enthusiasts.
Book review by Atnoonbooks
The story of robots chasing the traces of a vanished humanity.
This book is a collaboration between the young Czech screenplay writer, Taťána Rubášová, and the prolific illustrator, Jindřich Janíček, who is actively involved in publishing and advertising fields. It has received widespread recognition for its popularity and artistic merit, including winning the 2018 White Raven Catalogue Youth Literature Award in Germany and being a nominee for the 2018 IBBY Golden Ribbon Award. The imaginative setting of robots embarking on a journey to explore the legacy of a vanished humanity, combined with the use of silk-screen technique in the captivating artwork, gives birth to a unique and charming SF graphic novel.
Moreover, the word 'Robot' was first used in Czech. It derived from the Czech word 'ROBOTA,' which means labor, in the play "R.U.R." (Rossum's Universal Robots) by Czech playwright Karel Čapek. Therefore, this first Czech book introduced by Atnoonbooks holds even more significance as it revolves around the theme of 'Robot.'
Despite the dark world of humanity's demise, the robots' adventure in exploring human traces unfolds with a delightful tone throughout. As we witness them making arbitrary guesses and judgments about humanity, it leads us to ponder whether we, too, are interpreting our past history to our own liking. However, the joy of imagining the future through the extraordinary robot's exploration quickly dispels any hasty suspicions.
With endearing characters that defy the typical image of rigid machines, witty dialogues, and the excitement of unraveling humanity's secrets like a treasure hunt based on clues scattered by the author in each scene, this SF graphic novel is filled with hidden pleasures.
Introduction an author
Author. Taťána Rubášová
She is a screenplay writer and director who has been selected in various film competitions.
She majored in screenwriting and theater directing at the Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (FAMU).
Additionally, she worked as a journalist for Czech Television Broadcasting for ten years. She has been collaborating with Jindřich Janíček since 2013.
She enjoys writing in notebooks and listening to music by 'Karel Plihal'.
Illustrator. Jindřich Janíček
He is an illustrator who graduated from Tomas Bata University in Zlin and majored in illustration at the Academy of Arts, Architecture, and Design in Prague (UMPRUM).
Some of his written books include 'The Rain Started at Dusk' and 'We Come In Peace For All Mankind'.
He enjoys listening to music by 'The White Stripes' and 'Sun Kil Moon' while drawing in notebooks.
Additionally, he has four robot tattoos on his right arm.
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